The third year of the extensive investigation into the January 6 attack on the Capitol has witnessed significant progress by federal prosecutors and the FBI. Prominent figures such as Stuart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, have been convicted of seditious conspiracy and handed substantial prison sentences. Rhodes, considered an ongoing threat and a peril to the country, received an 18-year sentence.
Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys, was also convicted of seditious conspiracy, along with three other Proud Boys. A fifth member, seen smashing a Capitol window, faced charges related to the attack. Sentences for these individuals ranged from 10 to 22 years, with Tarrio receiving the longest sentence imposed in a January 6 case to date.
The investigation has resulted in over 1250 individuals being charged, with more than 890 convictions obtained. Federal courthouses in Washington have been witnessing trials, plea hearings, and sentencings for January 6 rioters almost every day of the week. Notable cases include Richard Barnett, who infamously placed his feet on Nancy Pelosi’s desk, receiving a 4.5-year prison sentence. A retired firefighter seeking deprogramming after falling for 2020 election lies received a 4-year sentence. Additionally, a MAGA hat wearer who attacked former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone with a stun gun was sentenced to 12.5 years.
The arrests have not been limited to the immediate aftermath of the attack. Noteworthy individuals such as actor Jay Johnston, known as the “Cano Riot” for his resemblance to a former late-night comedian, and a former Boston canine officer have also been apprehended. Surprisingly, even a former FBI special agent, who had been a member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York, was arrested for storming the Capitol.
Sedition Hunters, an online group assisting the FBI in identifying suspects, claim that around a thousand other January 6 participants have been identified but are yet to be arrested. One of the members, speaking anonymously due to ongoing threats, revealed that some individuals, like the “blue plaid sprayer,” have been identified for over 700 days, with expectations of legal action against them soon.
Matthew Graves, the top federal prosecutor in Washington, acknowledged the contribution of citizens from around the country in identifying individuals connected to the January 6 attacks. He mentioned that scores of individuals have been identified, and prosecutions for their violent acts at the Capitol and other federal law violations are imminent.
Online sleuths emphasize that time is of the essence, not only to hold rioters accountable but also to scrutinize law enforcement’s role in the events. Their perspective on the FBI varies, acknowledging that, like any other organization, some members perform their duties effectively, while others fall short or neglect their responsibilities.
Despite the progress in convicting and sentencing participants, the investigation faces challenges, and there is much work ahead. Notably, the trial of the most prominent January 6 defendant, former President Donald Trump, is scheduled for as soon as March. The arrests, far from being concluded, continue, with three January 6 fugitives arrested in a camp in Florida just this morning, underscoring the ongoing nature of the investigations.
In conclusion, the third year of the January 6 investigation has seen substantial legal proceedings, convictions, and arrests, with a diverse range of individuals facing consequences for their roles in the attack on the Capitol. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and citizens have played a crucial role in identifying and prosecuting those involved. However, challenges persist, and the investigation remains dynamic as it unfolds in federal courthouses and extends to the highest echelons of political leadership.